Determining if the procedure should be conducted in a surgical center, at an outpatient clinic, or in a hospital—The location will depend on the amount of fat to be removed. When large amounts of fat are removed, it is safest to do the surgery in a hospital.

Giving you instructions.

Addressing your questions and concerns.

Leading up to your procedure:

Refrain from smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.

Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding diet.

Arrange for a ride and for help at home.

The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

If advised by your doctor, take a shower in the morning or the night before the procedure. You may need to use special antibacterial soap.

Anesthesia

There are 2 anesthesia options for liposuction. Your doctor will help you to decide which is best for you.

Local anesthesia—This numbs the area. You will be awake during the procedure.

Description of Procedure

A special fluid containing saline (salt water), additional anesthetic, adrenalin (to minimize bleeding), and bicarbonate (to minimize pain from injection) will be injected into the fatty areas. You may have an incision for the fluid injection. 1 of the following 3 extraction techniques will be used:

Wet technique—The amount of fluid injected is less than the amount of fat to be removed.

Super wet technique—The amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat removed.

Tumescent technique—2 or 3 times as much fluid is injected into the body as fat removed.

After the fluid is added, a small incision will be made near the area to be suctioned. In traditional liposuction, the doctor will use an instrument called a cannula to suction the fat. A cannula is a hollow tube, like a drinking straw. A vacuum pressure unit, which is attached by a hose to the cannula, will provide the suction for the procedure. Once fat has been removed, the incisions may be sutured closed or left open to drain.

The following are different types of liposuction available:

Power-assisted liposuction—This involves the use of a vibrating cannula that disrupts the fat cells prior to their removal. The technique is especially useful in areas where the fat is more difficult to remove or in areas previously liposuctioned.

Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL)—This involves the use of ultrasound energy provided via a probe under the skin. The fat cells are disrupted and the fat is then removed by traditional liposuction. There may be a reduction in bleeding and swelling and an increase in skin tightening with this procedure.

Laser-assisted lipolysis—This involves the use of a laser fiber placed under the skin. Heat is used to liquefy fat prior to removal by traditional liposuction. The laser coagulates blood vessels to minimize bleeding and swelling, and it also causes the skin to tighten.

Water-assisted liposuction—This involves the use of a special cannula that sprays water to gently disrupt fat cells prior to their removal. This is a newer procedure.

How Long Will It Take?

The length of a procedure depends on:

Amount of fat to be removed

Number of areas being suctioned

Liposuction technique being used

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will be taken to a recovery room for monitoring.

IV fluids may be given to aid in hydration.

You may be asked to take short walks to improve blood circulation.

Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage discomfort.

An elastic garment to help speed recovery will be given with instructions for usage.

When 5 liters of fat or more is removed, an overnight stay will be required.

Preventing Infection

During your stay, the care center staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks while you are at the care center

Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

Results of the liposuction will not be seen right away. Depending on the amount of fat removed and the body’s ability to heal, visible results may take weeks or months to appear. Typically, swelling begins to decrease within a few weeks of surgery. However, it may take months to fully subside. Bruising may last 3 or more weeks. Numbness may persist for several weeks before it begins to fade. After the swelling and bruising disappear, the true result of the procedure is seen. If postoperative weight is maintained, the results of the liposuction can be permanent.

To help with your recovery at home, you may need to:

Walk around as directed. This will help blood circulation and prevent blood clots from forming.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Refrain from resuming activities until directed to do so.

Take pain medication as prescribed.

Wear the elastic garment as directed.

Refrain from smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.

Arrange for follow-up doctor visits.

If desired results are not achieved, or if the skin remains loose, additional surgery may be needed.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.